Mike Langford
Candler,NC
Summary
Experienced chief admission officer with a robust background in higher education, specializing in motivational leadership, top-notch communication, organizational and strategic planning abilities. Proven track record in predictive modeling and financial aid leveraging . Notable for recruiting thousands of students and fostering enduring relationships. Began career as an admission counselor and evolved into an industry expert, combining strategic insights with a passion for first generation students and recruiting diverse student populations.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Undergraduate Admissions
Western Carolina University
03.2018 - Current
- Manage 26 person office staff including 4 regional recruiters.
- Recruit and enrolled top three, largest first-year cohorts in the history of the university.
- Enhanced undergraduate admissions processes by implementing innovative recruitment strategies and streamlining application procedures.
- Develop strategies to recruit, enroll, and retain qualified, talented and diverse undergraduate student body
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams for the development and execution of marketing campaigns, increasing prospective applicant engagement.
- Establish strong relationships with high schools, community colleges, and educational organizations to promote university programs and attract top-tier applicants.
- Implemented Technololutions Slate CRM as one of three Slate Captains ensuring on-time deployment.
- Executed data-driven decision-making in selection process, improving overall class quality and diversity.
- Oversee $2.4 million budget for undergraduate admissions department, optimizing resource allocation for maximum efficiency while creating $4.6 million reserve.
- Developed targeted outreach initiatives to underrepresented student populations, fostering more inclusive campus environment.
- Leveraged technology advancements to improve communication between Admissions Office and prospective students, enhancing user experience throughout application process.
- Coordinated on-campus visit programs for prospective students and their families, ensuring meaningful experiences that showcased university strengths.
- Established protocols to ensure the integrity of the admissions process, maintaining compliance with university policies and applicable legislation.
- Worked with marketing team to develop recruitment strategies in accordance with organizational goals and within budgetary guidelines.
Director of Recruiting & Marketing for Graduate School & Research
Western Carolina University
02.2016 - 03.2017
- Increased fall 2016, new first time graduate students 45.3% over previous fall as a new team member
- Streamlined hiring processes for quicker candidate placements, resulting in reduced time-to-fill rates.
- Enhanced recruitment efficiency by implementing innovative strategies and cost-effective sourcing techniques.
- Organized networking events and job fairs to increase company visibility among potential candidates while building valuable community connections.
Director of Fresh
Mindpower Inc.
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Worked with current higher education clients in Enrollment Management, Development, Athletics, and Student Life.
- Created database of potential business to sell agency services.
- Cultivated new business in healthcare and banking.
- Presented current trend sessions at conferences on behalf of agency.
Account Supervisor
Our State Magazine
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Prospecting, securing and managing new business.
- Managed high-priority higher education accounts with exceptional attention-to-detail and commitment to achieving desired outcomes.
- Identified opportunities for upselling additional services to existing clients, increasing overall account value.
- Presented persuasive sales pitches to secure new accounts, driving revenue growth for the company.
- Established trust with clients by maintaining open lines of communication and promptly addressing concerns or issues.
Director of Marketing and Communication
Lenoir-Rhyne University
01.2006 - 06.2013
- Integrated Marketing Department into Enrollment Management division
- Boosted brand awareness by implementing targeted marketing campaigns and strategic partnerships.
- Developed comprehensive marketing plans for product launches, resulting in increased sales and market share.
- Secured long-term accounts by recommending strategies to promote brand effectiveness and highlight product benefits.
- Spearheaded digital marketing efforts, including website redesign and social media strategy, driving significant growth in online traffic and conversions.
- Cultivated strong relationships with industry influences and media outlets, securing positive coverage and maximizing brand exposure.
- Wrote and distributed press releases to increase brand visibility.
- Optimized email campaigns to increase open and click-through rates.
- Launched successful digital marketing campaigns that achieved goals for increased website traffic.
- Coordinated with design and media teams to develop high-quality creative assets.
Adjunct Faculty – Freshman Seminar Instructor
Lenoir-Rhyne University
01.2006 - 01.2013
- Mentored students through their harrowing first year of college
- Introduced the physical campus, buildings, and offices that would be their resources.
- Soothed, prodded, and encouraged students, providing tissues and home-cooked meals as needed.
- Saved more than a few students from their worst impulses and watched every one of them graduate.
Admissions Counselor/Assoc Director of Admissions
Lenoir-Rhyne College
01.1997 - 01.2006
- Member of team that increased overall enrollment by 60% over eight years.
- Supervised all admissions publications, website development, and photography for enrollment.
- Assisted in creating Financial Aid matrices for awarding Freshman, Transfer, and International students.
- Supervised Enrollment & Retention Management system for Financial Aid.
- Coordinated Honors Scholarship program from invitation through awarding of full and three-quarter academic scholarships.
- International recruiter for undergraduate and graduate students working with transcript evaluation, admissions forms, and visas.
- Collaborated with Royall and Company (now EAB) to advise name buy, graphic identity, and build for follow up years to increase yield, quality and quantity of incoming freshman class.
- Committee member of Campus Administrative Computer system.
- Became certifiable admissions geek as L-R's resident expert in Predictive Modeling.
- Member of Institutional Effectiveness for SACS re-accreditation.
- Committee member, host, and recruiter for North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Counselor Bus Tour.
- Coordinated all overnight visitation request for prospective students
Recruited thousands of students. Made hundreds of lifelong friends in process.
Education
Doctor of Education - Educational Leadership
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC05.2024
Master of Arts - Higher Education Administration
Appalachian State University
Boone, NC12.2006
Bachelor of Arts - Music
Lenoir-Rhyne College
Hickory, NC05.1997
Skills
- Windows and Mac platforms
- Microsoft Office suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook
- Mac iWork suite: Pages, Numbers, Keynote
- Banner
- Ruffalo Noel-Levitz - Enrollment & Retention Management Software (ERMS)
- Slate by Technolotions
- Adobe Creative Suite: inDesgin, Photoshop, Illustrator
Websites
Service To University
- Strategic Plan Committee (2021 - Present)
- Enrollment Planning Committee (2016 – Present)
- Search Committee Member Dean of the College of Education and Allied Profession
- Search Committee Member Executive Director of Economic Development and Regional partnerships
- Search Committee Member – Associate Dean of Graduate School
- Search Committee Member – Director of Printshop Operations
- Search Committee Member Search Committee Member – Director of Residence Life Operations
Timeline
Director of Undergraduate Admissions
Western Carolina University
03.2018 - Current
Director of Recruiting & Marketing for Graduate School & Research
Western Carolina University
02.2016 - 03.2017
Director of Fresh
Mindpower Inc.
01.2015 - 01.2016
Account Supervisor
Our State Magazine
01.2014 - 01.2015
Director of Marketing and Communication
Lenoir-Rhyne University
01.2006 - 06.2013
Adjunct Faculty – Freshman Seminar Instructor
Lenoir-Rhyne University
01.2006 - 01.2013
Admissions Counselor/Assoc Director of Admissions
Lenoir-Rhyne College
01.1997 - 01.2006
Doctor of Education - Educational Leadership
Western Carolina University
Master of Arts - Higher Education Administration
Appalachian State University
Bachelor of Arts - Music
Lenoir-Rhyne College
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